Trigger warning: this article mentions death
Princess Diana died in a fatal car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Over the years, it has been believed that the car veered off the side of the tunnel while trying to escape the media and photographers who were pursuing the former Princess of Wales.
Nearly three decades later, Diana’s bodyguard Ken Wharfe, who was with the princess for nearly six years, opened up about security lapses that allegedly cost the public figure her life.
Speaking to The Sun, Wharfe said the Princess would have been alive if the car had been driven by Dodi Fayed’s personal assistant rather than Paul, who was heavily intoxicated.
Dodi and Princess Diana were reportedly having an affair while Diana was divorced from the then Prince Charles. Dodi and the former Duchess of Cornwall were traveling together on the night of the crash, which killed both of them.
Further in the conversation, Diana’s bodyguard revealed that another mistake that happened that night was that the local police were not informed about the situation, who could have handled the media situation better.
Further, he added that instead of treating the paparazzi as enemies, it would have been better to analyse the surroundings and then take a decision.
Also read: Throwback: When Michael Jackson revealed Princess Diana wanted him to sing this iconic song; find out on her birthday
Wharfe claimed that Queen Elizabeth had asked the princess to have Scotland Yard security with her. However, the former Spencer did not hire security, which could have completely prevented the accident.
The bodyguard also revealed that he had spoken to the princess about her security, but just weeks after the conversation Diana had her security removed, leading to her death at the age of 36.
At the time of the former Princess of Wales’ accident, her son was with King Charles at Balmoral Castle.
Prince William and Prince Harry were 15 and 12 years old respectively when they walked behind their mother’s coffin. Regarding the future monarch, sources close to him revealed that Charles was in mourning because even though his marriage to the princess was not successful, he was very attached to her.
Also read: What is ‘Who Killed Diana’ about? Everything we know about this three-part docuseries
